Please note: The Bown Crossing branch library project is on hold until further notice, pending funding availability.  However, building the branch is still a high unfunded capital priority with the City Council and the Mayor. 

The Boise City Council allocated funding for the initial design phase for the Library! at Bown Crossing, providing citizens with the opportunity to comment on the preliminary designs and on proposed features and services. Public comment was taken from mid-March through the end of April 2010.  Residents reviewed the plans and commented online or in person at the Main Library, Bookmobile stops, neighborhood meetings or one of four public meetings.  (The comment period is over, but the Bown Crossing designs and schematics are still available for review. ) 

Comments were overwhelmingly positive in nature. These comments will be incorporated into the design development phase. Completion of the initial design phase will position the City to move forward with the benefit of public input when funding becomes available for design development, construction and operation of the new library.  

Features & Services

Located in southeast Boise between East Parkcenter Boulevard and East Boise Avenue, the Library! at Bown Crossing will act as a community center, welcoming and integrating southeast Boise neighborhoods and businesses. The full-service library will provide a welcoming, light-filled environment, with computer and Internet access, lots of books, movies and music, spaces for study, meetings and relaxing, and special programs for all ages.    

Public Service Features

• 13,000 square feet of public space
• 35,000-45,000 books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, movies, music
• 50 public computers with 46 Internet-access stations
• Wireless access
• Comfortable chairs for relaxing, as well as table seating
• Open 6 days a week, totaling 50 hours
• Self-service checkout
• Coffee & other hot beverages
• Copy center
• Library programs for all ages, including:
• Baby, preschool & toddler storytimes
• Afterschool & teen programs
• Computer classes for adults
• Book clubs & other special programs 

Special Spaces

• Hearth area with fireplace for reading & socializing
• Two group study rooms, seating four
• Fun, specially designed areas for children and teens 
• Quiet areas with comfortable seating
• Audio-visual equipped multi-purpose room seating 90, with external access during hours the library is closed.  Includes access to kitchen facilities and restroom.
• Smaller audio-visual equipped meeting room, seating 12, also with external access. 

Sustainable Design

• Maximized daylighting, with glass-curtain wall 
• Sustainable features for efficient use of energy and water
• Constructed of recycled and local materials
• The City is targeting a gold LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. 
• Water-wise landscaping using drought-tolerant and native plants
• Extensive community input into design 

Architects Fletcher Farr Ayotte, Inc.

• Troy Ainsworth, Principal 
• Karl Refi, Project Architect
• Eric Wilcox, Project Architect 
• Brenda Katz, Interior Designer

• Preliminary Designs